In 2009: Between the 20-yard lines, the Tigers feel like they were pretty good last year — much better than their record lets on. But with their abundance of non-seniors, the Tigers simply couldn’t finish, whether it be scoring or stopping the opposition. Hopes are high that that will all change this year. The Tigers are more comfortable in their second season in the double-wing offense, and they are sticking with their 4-3 defense. That continuity and experience has the Tigers thinking they can turn last year’s record on its head and get back to living their tough-guy reputation.

THE CLASSICAL ACADEMY TITANS

Coach: Nate Sassaman

2008 record: 8-3

Returning starters: Six offense, seven defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 56-16 to Faith Christian in 2A preliminaries

In 2009: The Titans probably surprised a lot of people last season, but things in Colorado Springs aren’t so wide-eyed. The Titans just needed that bump to get them going and now they hope to keep rolling. With 11 seniors (the most they’ve had) and a lot of success during 7-on-7 camps over the summer, the Titans are farther ahead than they’ve been. They’re also eager to prove last season wasn’t a fluke. As a reward, the Titans won’t change their offense or defense for the first time in a while. So watch for Queener to run the spread offense and Blaha to anchor the 3-4 defense.

In 2009: The ‘Diggers feel they have been very close to taking that next step. While wins have improved slowly over the past few seasons, Villani can’t help but think of the games that got away and could have accelerated the process of gaining confidence. Without a veteran quarterback, the ‘Diggers offense will tighten up a bit. A lot of that begins with the running game, which Villani has made a point to improve. The offensive line will have to earn its stripes, but the kids are bigger than last year and could be strong. Not much changes defensively, beside a renewed effort to get the defensive backs in on more run support.

In 2009: Longtime coach Mark Swalley is watering his garden and doing lots of things other than think about football. Good for him. The torch passes — as it should — to 10-year assistant and former player (class of 1985) VandenBroeke. So don’t expect many changes in the Crusaders. Offense will stay in the I-formation, although there might be some spread formation wrinkles later in the season. The defense is still looking at the four- and five-man fronts. Speed and athleticism is good, but numbers are lower than recent memory. Only 24 are out for the team, a dip that VandenBroeke believes is connected to the sagging economy. Another .500 season is the benchmark.

KENT DENVER SUN DEVILS

Coach: Scott Yates

2008 record: 10-2

Returning starters: Seven offense, eight defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 27-6 to Olathe in 2A quarterfinals

In 2009: The Sun Devils were dealt an early challenge when returning junior quarterback Richard Yates suffered an injury over the summer, which will rule him out for most the season. His replacement and his healing powers will be big factors in the success of a group that is very talented, loaded with seniors and primed for a their typical strong run. Jackson is one of the top backs in 2A as he rushed for 1,750 yards last season in 10 games and also picked off six passes on defense.

In 2009: Clinkscales was an assistant last season and presides over a reborn program that is on the way up after a dip in numbers last season. The ‘Bolts fielded 40 kids for their freshman team two years ago, only to be reduced to 16 the second-half of last season. Clinkscales blames that on younger kids tentative about playing varsity. But with a junior class and plenty of speed, the ‘Bolts are feeling much better after a solid offseason and numbers are back up to 36. The offense is running more of a spread offense and 3-4 defense. Building confidence is Clinkscales’ primary focus, and he feels an easier nonleague schedule will do just that.

In 2009: The Huskies lost a very special group of senior playmakers, but rumors of their demise are a bit premature. Schmidt likes his players up front, and that’s where it all starts for the Huskies. They will “still run a ton” and play “an aggressive swarming defense.” Clark is a great quarterback that knows the game and is physically tough. He won’t throw any more than usual, but he will be more effective in everything, especially on defense. Although not as loaded, competition is up across the board and that should have the Huskies back in the hunt for a playoff spot.

In 2009: Davis is in his first year after coaching at Manual last season. He likes what he sees at Sheridan, although he knows this season will be a real test. The Rams have just seven seniors, a “handful” of juniors and are filled with sophomores and some freshmen. How fast those younger players step up and compete will be a big factor in achieving the goal of at least six victories this season. Passion and intensity are up at practice. The offense will be a pro-style with twins and some double-tight sets. Defense is a 4-3. McCarty has great size – and could be a college defensive end – but this is his first year as full starter under center. He’ll still get moved around depending on the sets and matchups.

In 2009: The ‘Cats feel like all the pieces are in place for a big step forward. Caswell is in his fourth season starting under center and he’s matured into an excellent quarterback and football player. At the same time, the ‘Cats have very good depth in the backfield, which should allow the offense to spread the ball around and exploit teams. Some new coaches have helped raise the bar in practice and the ‘Cats hope it all translates come game time. .

In 2009: McGinty, Machebeuf class of 1988, returns after coaching in Connecticut and at Aurora Central. He’s bringing discipline and he’s preaching it to a group that now includes just two seniors after transfers and whatnot. The offense will run a wing-T with some option plays as the quarterback progresses. The defense will have multiple looks out of a four-man front. Hobbs is a bowling ball of power and should lead the Buffs, while McKauge is off the charts athletically and could turn into an animal on the edge. McGinty is focusing on a fast start in Week One against Bennett.

ERIE TIGERS

Coach: Larry Gartrell

2008 record: 12-2

Returning starters: Six offense, four defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 22-21 in overtime to Olathe in 2A championship

Strengths: Good balance of returning experience and up-and-coming underclassmen

In 2009: The Tigers lose 14 seniors but reload nicely – not to mention they have the fuel of losing in overtime in the championship game. Young players have worked hard in the offseason and will be expected to step up and compete. Ortega heads up the class of returning players and he should – again – be special this season, especially as a running back. As usual, Ortega has an impressive line to run behind. Also watch the linebackers as they are experienced and large.

FAITH CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Coach: Blair Hubbard

2008 record: 12-1

Returning starters: Six offense, five defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 14-6 to Olathe in 2A semifinals

Strengths: Athletic at skill positions and on offensive line; good team speed

In 2009: The Eagles will always be the Eagles – stacked with great athletes and in the hunt for a league title and championship – but there will be some new wrinkles this season. Firstly, with Twedell’s versatility and a nice group of running backs, they’ll run more shotgun sets and empty backfield formations than in the past, to give the senior options. The line isn’t as big as usual – by Eagles’ standards – so they’ll use their athleticism to take control. Lastly, the no-huddle offense that took baby steps last year is cranking up the speed to try and catch teams off guard and give the athletic Eagles an advantage.

HOLY FAMILY TIGERS

Coach: Mike D. Gabriel

2008 record: 6-5

Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 40-19 to Platte Canyon in 2A preliminaries

In 2009: The offense expanded last year and Gabriel feels his team is more comfortable with the variables and should be more effective. The offensive line will be the backbone. They have plenty of size to dominate and speed across the board is better, something the Tigers had exposed last year by the better teams. The Tigers will be better than last year and that means the playoffs are again the expectation. They start the season at Steamboat Springs, home against Eaton, at Brush and home against Erie. That’s nasty.

In 2009: By Lujan’s count, he is the first returning head coach at Jefferson in six years. The kids have responded to his commitment with a little of their own – a recent record 44 kids should be on the roster this season. The Saints have just one victory last season to work from, but that win snapped a 45-game losing streak, so they can still only go up. The offense will run more single wing and try to control the clock more. The defense will run a 4-3 look. Lujan says this is going to be “a great year.”.

In 2009: Schmidt, the former defensive coordinator, takes over a Panthers program feeling good after knocking of parochial rival Bishop Machebeuf last season, but feeling the pinch of less than 30 players in the program. It could be a classic rebuilding season, but the line could have a lot to say about that. Miller is the anchor of a group that has plenty of size. Miller, however, is the only lineman with varsity experience, so they’ll need to be tested. The offense and defense stay the same. The loss of all-conference playmaker Jordan Reynolds (golf) really hurts the team.

In 2009: The inaugural season of the ‘Wolves went pretty good considering most their players had never played competitive football. Trying to build off the two victories, the ‘Wolves have more talent and good depth at running back for their spread-option offense. The defense shifts to a 5-3 to try to get more bodies up front and stop the run. The team is stronger physically. There is plenty of youth, however, as about 13 of the 33 kids out for the program are freshmen.

Mountain

BAYFIELD WOLVERINES

Coach: Marshall Hahn

2008 record: 7-3

Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense;

Last playoff appearance: 2007

Strengths: Deep and talented running game; aggressive defense

Weaknesses: Replacing quarterback and middle linebacker, the two main cogs in the Wolverines’ system

In 2009: Don’t think the Wolverines have forgotten that rival Pagosa Springs beat them to keep them out of the playoffs. That’s double the motivation and the Wolverines have some good talent to get the job done. The big holes come at quarterback and middle linebacker, but Hahn has some good replacements – they just need more varsity experience. The new quarterback will throw the ball more efficiently, which bodes well. With their standard triple-option offense, the Wolverines will keeping probing around until they find something they can take advantage of.

BUENA VISTA DEMONS

Coach: Bob Marken

2008 record: 6-5

Returning starters: Four offense, three defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 55-10 to Olathe in 2A preliminaries

In 2009: The Demons will have some sophomores in the backfield , but things should be OK if what Marken sees in them plays out. Without a dominant running back, however, the Demons will pass more. The Demons are quick, but don’t have a lot of speed. Their first four games are nonconference and should help them ease into things. For the first time in 15 years the Demons are changing their defense to the 3-4.

In 2009: The Falcons had just five seniors in 2008 and played like it. Tradition and talent kept them in just about every game, but youth and inexperience helped turned nine of those games into losses. Don’t expect a repeat. Most this team is older and wiser and ready to battle. Offense and defense will stay the same in principle, but the Falcons want to throw just a little bit more to keep teams honest.

In 2009: With just 28 kids out, the Pirates are sailing with the bare bones this season, even more so than in any of McAulliffe’s previous 20-plus seasons. It’s not just a gripe, it’s a serious concern for the program. On the field, it always starts with the running game. They won’t pound teams with their size, but they’ll have to find ways to give off enough new looks to get some progress. The defense is small and will have to stunt and switch things up. All that being said, the Pirates do have a strong tradition of playing tough football, and they’ll really need to draw on that this season.

PAGOSA SPRINGS PIRATES

Coach: Sean O’Donnell

2008 record: 6-6

Returning starters: Seven offense, seven defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost 30-26 to Platte Canyon in 2A quarterfinals

Strengths: Talent and experience at skill positions

Weaknesses: Inexperience at linebacker; new faces on the line need time to adjust

In 2009: Don’t let the Pirates’ 6-6 mark last season fool you. When you live in geographical obscurity you have to take any nonleague game you can, and the results don’t mean that much when the league champion gets the automatic playoff berth. The Pirates grabbed the league from rival Bayfield and gave top-seeded Platte Canyon all it could handle in the quarterfinals. Shaffer is back to lead an offense that loves to throw. The talent is here, but they’ll need those new faces to pull their weight to become a special team. O’Donnell says Ross could be the best athlete to come out of Pagosa Springs in 20 to 30 years.

In 2009: The Spartans admittedly had some growing pains last year implementing Gardunio’s new offense, but they do have a victory over league champion Pagosa Springs to hang their hats on. The offense should be more effective this season – despite losing a talented quarterback to graduation – and the defense, which struggled with stopping the run, will try to solve that with some different looks and stunts. Gardunio believes that Schlicher is the best kicker in the league. The Spartans are feeling as good about this team as their group that advanced to the 2006 quarterfinals.

Patriot League

BRUSH BEETDIGGERS

Coach: Randy Dreitz

2008 record: 9-3

Returning starters: 2 offense; 3 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost to Faith Christian in 2A state quarterfinals, 36-22

In 2009: With only five returning starters and an opening schedule that includes 3A powerhouse Fort Morgan and Holy Family, the Beetdiggers will get tested early as how well their inexperienced players can hold up. If all goes well, Brush will hope to reach its expectations of another state playoff appearance.

EATON REDS

Coach: Bill Mondt

2008 record: 7-4

Returning starters: 4 offense; 5 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost to Kent Denver in the 2A opening round, 39-35

In 2009: Star quarterback Seth Lobato and Eaton’s top three receivers are gone, so Coach Mondt is having to retool the offense, which is carried by its size on the offensive line. Bryce Kammerzell is back to lead the team on defense from his middle linebacker position. Eaton will get tested early with non-conference games against Holy Family, Platte Canyon and Erie.

In 2009: Coach Hinson puts a lot of stress on his team’s preseason games and the early-season schedule because Estes Park, if it wants to jump up to the upper-echelon of the Patriot League, will have to get off to a key start before facing October games with Weld Central, Platte Valley, Brush and Eaton.

In 2009: If Coach DeWall is correct, the Patriot League will be wide open in 2009. That being said, with Jordan Smith back at QB and Klint Gehring manning the OL and three returning linebackers Platte Valley hopes to return to its 2007 form when it beat Platte Canyon for the 2A title. The Broncos open with local rival Roosevelt, who moved up to 3A, before a road game at Faith Christian before jumping into the conference schedule.

In 2009: If the Indians want to be successful, Coach Giger believes the team’s strength (senior leadership) and weakness (team chemistry) will play a role. If Strasburg’s players sacrifice and support the team as a whole he sees his team, which started 3-0 last year before going 1-6 in conference play, can’t compete for a postseason spot. But if it doesn’t, any early-season success could go in the tank just as it did a year ago.

In 2009: Tom Grasmick comes on board as head coach after spending the last three years at Holly High School. The new coach, more than anything, is looking to change the attitude, change the culture at University. “We’ve got to get the team to believe they can win and will win if they work hard.” After an 0-10 season, the Bulldogs aren’t looking any further than the season-opener at Lyons.

In 2009: Even with all the inexperience his team has, Coach Wehrman expects the Vikings to be right in the thick of things yet again in the Patriot League. The talent is there to get over .500 again, it’s just overcoming the inexperience that will be the key. Making that challenge just as tough as always is perennial powers Brush, Platte Valley and Eaton in conference play.

In 2009: With 16 returning starters Weld Central feels it has as good of chance as anybody to reach the playoffs. The key will come down to staying healthy and focus, but the Rebels’ seniors have been on the roster since their freshman and sophomore years. Thus they bring a wealth of varsity experience to the table. That will help in a league that features Brush, Eaton and Platte Valley.

In 2009: Former offensive coordinator Jay Kersy takes over for Paul Passano, who moved on to the head coaching job at 5A Rampart. Kersy is hopeful the team will improve on last year’s 4-6 mark, especially considering the work the team has put in in the weight room. The Lions get an early test with a Week 1 game at Faith Christian.

In 2009: Ted Hernandez, who spent nine years coaching at Roncalli Middle School — winning seven city championships and posting a 78-5 record in the process — takes over for Jerry Salazar, who was promoted to athletic director. Dolores Huerta regresses last season in its second season, winning just twice, but Hernandez is placing focus on the little things. That includes winning a league game this season and one road game. The Scorpions were 0-4 away from home a year ago.

In 2009: Ellicott was a touchdown away from the playoffs a year ago. With 11 returning starters back, including seven on offense led by senior quarterback Ryan Miller, the ThunderHawks appear ready to complete that run to the postseason.

FLORENCE HUSKIES

Coach: Mark Buderus

2008 record: 10-2

Returning starters: 5 offense; 6 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost to Erie in 2A state quarterfinals 35-10

In 2009: Mark Buderus doesn’t see any reason why Florence shouldn’t be considered favorite for a playoff spot once again out of the Tri-Peaks Conference and given this year’s team returns 11 seniors from last year’s 10-2 squad there’s little reason to doubt him. The conference got stronger, according to Coach Buderus, so his team will have to stay healthy and eligible to stay in the hunt.

In 2009: Clint Buderus, the son of Florence coach Mark Buderus, led La Junta to five wins in his first season and returns some key players, including senior QB Mike Paolucci. But the younger Buderus says it will take his team to believe in itself, not to mention probably eight or nine wins, to win the Tri-Peaks Conference.

In 2009: Lamar returns 14 seniors from a .500 squad a year ago, bringing excitement to the Savages. Lamar also has 17 juniors on this year’s roster, giving it a heavy dose of seniors and juniors to lead the way. Lamar opens conference play Sept. 11 at Florence, a good measuring stick to gauge where it stands as it enters conference play this season.

MANITOU SPRINGS MUSTANGS

Coach: John McGee

2008 record: 8-3

Returning starters: 6 offense; 7 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost in 2A opening round 40-7 to Pagosa Springs

In 2009: Coach McGee is optimistic his team can put last year’s first-round playoff loss behind it and move forward in 2009, but the key lies with how well his young offensive and defensive lines come together, especially early in the season.

In 2009: Injuries impacted St. Mary’s a year ago, but this year Coach Walter, in his mind, says his team’s success will depend on replacing four offensive linemen. If the Pirates can do that Walter says his team can bounce back in the league, but they’ll be faced with the challenge of the always-tough Florence not to mention Lamar and La Junta.

In 2009: With the likes of La Junta and Lamar up there, Coach Begano is hopeful that Trinidad can get back to its 2007 ways and make a push for the playoffs. The team suffered through numerous injuries last season, but with that came valuable game experience for this year’s team, which returns 15 starters from a season ago.

Western Slope League

ASPEN SKIERS

Coach: Mike Sirko

2008 record: 8-3

Returning starters: 5 offense; 5 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, lost in 2A opening round 36-13 to Florence

In 2009: If Aspen’s not in the thick of the race in the Western Slope League, Coach Sirko will be surprised. After going 33 years without a playoff appearance, the Skiers made it back in 2007. Now they’ve been there two years in a row led by the play of quarterback Anderson Cole. Depth may be a problem, but if the starters stay healthy Aspen should be in the postseason once again.

In 2009: If injuries or grades get in the way then it could be a long season for Basalt. Coach Frerichs says his team is a middle-of-the-pack kind of team, but the Longhorns will have to play well at home to prove it because of tough road games at Aspen and Olathe.

In 2009: Former Canadian Football League coach Rich Stubler, who coached at Roaring Fork back in the 1970s, replaces Eric Hollembeak as head football coach. Stubler’s goal is to change the team’s attitude, starting with a new offensive set — a spread attack — and a 3-5 blitzing-type defense. The team will rely on its speed, led by state sprinting champion Ben Brewer, to counter its lack of size.

In 2009: Coach Parker is blunt about it. His team is not at the level of Olathe or Aspen in the Western Slope, but his team, according to Parker, is definitely at the level of the rest of the league. It will take his skill-position players, in particular Crockett Williams, Claudio Rios and Arion Gross, who all played defense last year, making a smooth transition to offense for Coal Ridge to get over the hump.

In 2009: This year’s Grand Valley team must overcome some senior losses and inexperience on the offensive and defensive lines. But the Cardinals have had a stellar JV program the past few years and will look to those up-and-coming players to help make up for those senior losses.

In 2009: After a two-year absences, Bob Howard is back coaching Gunnison. He replaces Dennis Fraser. Howard hopes to rebuild a winning attitude after the team went winless a year ago. Despite a handful of talent on the roster, the Cowboys must overcome the lack of depth on its offensive and defensive lines. That lack of depth could be an issue should injuries creep up on Gunnison.

OLATHE PIRATES

Coach: Ryan Corn

2008 record: 14-0

Returning starters: 4 offense; 5 defense

Last playoff appearance: 2008, won 2A state championship 22-21 in overtime over Erie

In 2009: The defending 2A state champions bring back nine returning starters and a talented JV program with hopes of a repeat. But as Coach Corn knows, his up-and-coming players will need to fill some key holes for the Pirates to get back to the top of the mountain.

In 2009: Don’t be fooled. Roaring Fork only brings back two seniors, one of them being starting guard and outside linebacker Jake Hawkins, but Coach Holley believes this year’s team is better than it was a year ago at this time. In 2008, Roaring Fork went 5-5, 4-3 in the Western Slope. This year’s team has more depth despite the graduation of 10 seniors.

In 2009: Things are looking up again for the Panthers, although it will definitely be a process. Rodriguez is invested in the program as he graduated from Lake County in 1993. The Panthers are back to a 10-game schedule and participation numbers could reach 40. The offense, led by Federico, remains in a double-wing, while the defense changes to the 3-5-3.

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